Events

Wine tasting & dinner hosted by Linda & Jaime Garard

Review

Pairing Food & Wine at Boka

Thirty-three Chicago Mondiale members gathered at Michelin-starred Boka restaurant on June 5, 2017 for a fascinating food and wine pairing event hosted by Caviste Jamie Garard and Dame Linda Garard.

The evening began with a Champagne reception in Boka’s neo-Victorian garden room with its dramatic black-and-white tiled floors and plant wall embellished with whimsical toleware animal portraits. Guests also took advantage of the lovely spring evening, spending time outside on the adjoining verdant patio.

Once seated, Caviste Jamie introduced the innovative pairing format. Confréres were first served a trio of seafood proteins and three white wines, affording attendees to determine multiple pairing preferences during a single course. The second course—the “meat match plate”—was served with three red wines, including 1996 Domaine Jacques Prieur Echezeaux. Similarly, a cheese course and dessert were also presented with multiple wine options representing different grape varietals, styles, textures and flavor profiles.

Throughout the evening, the Garards facilitated favorite pairing conversation among the tables. An excellent handout described the profile and possible flavors typically associated with each of the ten wines served during the four-course dinner.

As the evening concluded, Conseiller Gastronomique des Etats-Unis Mon Roldan thanked the dynamic duo for hosting an entertaining, educational evening and helping to remove the intimidation some experience pairing food and wine. All guests appreciated the Garards’ donation of Inniskillin Icewines that paired beautifully with dessert. Attendees departed with a deeper understanding of matching fine cuisine and wine, and everyone agreed that the event was an unqualified success!